Prime Minister

Infrastructure development vital for future

This was remarked Prime Minister Peter O'Neil during the official opening of the improved Girua Airport.

O'Neil said this morning's occasion is a testament to the government's vision to modernize all institutional asserts nationwide.

O'Neil further stated the Girua Airport is one of successful results of the external loans acquired by the government.

The K43 million rehabilitated Girua Airport boasts new pavements, runway, water and sewage systems and upgraded interior of the terminal.

Aftershock experience continues

The Prime Minister,  Peter O’Neill, told the delegates at the Petroleum and Energy Summit today in Port Moresby that the Government and donor partners are doing all they can to cater for the people during the disaster.

PM O’Neill said the country was about to get favourable revenue income from the PNG LNG Project as the price of oil and gas is at an improvement stages but was denied after the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

He said the impact of the disaster on the local communities is devastating but thanked the donor partners for their quick response.

Public holiday declared in Kavieng

The overcast day has done nothing to dampen the festive atmosphere, fused with the vivid provincial flags of orange and light blue colour and traditional costumes.

Students in school uniforms, police and correctional service personnel, residents, government officials and the media have gathered outside the white mansion.

The building is quite similar to the Queen Emma mansion in Rabaul, East New Britain Province.

Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill and his delegation of Government ministers will be officiating at the event.

More to follow.

PM stresses on provincial empowerment

This statement by Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, who is in New Ireland Province for the opening of the Namatanai Government House, was met with loud applause.

The PM and his delegation of Government ministers were received with much fanfare in Namatanai this morning.

The subject that dominated all speeches was autonomy.

PM O'Neill said New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan never failed to broach the subject of provincial empowerment at every opportunity.

"I want you to know that you have a believer in me," stated the PM.

PM lands in Namatanai

A traditionally-attired Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt was on site to welcome PM O'Neill, New Ireland Province Governor Sir Julius Chan and the government delegation.

The group is here to open the Namatanai Government House, a much-needed infrastructure for the province.

Accompanying the PM was Mining Minister Johnson Tuke, Energy and Petroleum Minister Fabian Pok, Inter-Government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu, Madang Governor Peter Yama and State Enterprises Minister William Duma, among others.

More to follow...

PM condemns Sir Mek’s claims

Sir Mekere said it is time for the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, to stop talking and start acting, to stop blaming others for the mess the nation is in, and to introduce an immediate program of reform and reconstruction.

PM O’Neill in response to Sir Mekere’s statement told this newsroom that the process of Government is well entrenched and cannot be influenced or controlled by one person.

“This is totally rubbish”.

O’Neill further explained that the difference between Sir Mekere’s leadership and his was that he always get things done.

Partial or non-payment, let them enrol: PM

PM Peter O'Neill told parliament yesterday following questions by Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom.

Parliament was informed that institutions like the University of Papua New Guinea started turning students away during registration last week.

“If you look at the school fee structure, I think it is discriminatory of students whose parents are not so well off to afford to save enough money in one year, to send their children to school the following year,” the MP said.

Sogeri missing Funds to be investigated

This is part of the Koiari benefit funds as resource owners of water and electricity into the nation’s capital.

The lower Sogeri landowners went on strike on the 9th of January, and attempted to block off the Sogeri road, after it was alleged the missing K9 million was tempered with by those in authority in government.

PM announces tax reform

O’Neill said the reassessment and any reform that follows aims to make the tax regime friendlier.

The Prime Minister announced this during the 2018 Prime Minister’s Back to Business Breakfast in Port Moresby.

Prime Minister O’Neill advised the business community, who turned up in numbers, that some of the tax rates imposed on businesses and individuals are excessive and said interventions will be done.

PM Commits K150,000 for Kadovar Disaster

PM O’Neill also commended the Governor of the East Sepik Province, Hon. Alan Bird MP, for taking the steps to arrange for the people of Kadovar to be evacuated to safety at nearby Ruprup Island, and to the mainland of Wewak.

The Prime Minister said the safety of people in the area around the volcano, and areas where there could be potential risk of tsunami, is of paramount importance.

“The welfare of people in the area around the volcano is of immediate concern,” the Prime Minister said“With volcanic or seismic activity, there is always the further risk of tsunami.